| Free Free .. .. .. .. .. | Burma Burma |
| Burmese Junta .. .. .. .. .. | Down Down |
| Free Free .. .. .. .. .. | Aung San Suu Kyi |
| Free Free .. .. .. .. .. | Buddhist Monks |
| Political Prisoners .. .. .. .. .. | Free them now! |
| We want .. .. .. .. .. | UN Action! |
| Boycott Boycott .. .. .. .. .. | China Olympics |
| United .. .. .. .. .. | We Stand |
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
ONE VOICE FOR BURMA
The purpose of posting these slogans is to have uniformity when we use them in weekly peaceful rallies. Let us all have one voice!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Freedom march in Vancouver, Oct 27th, 2007
Burmese activists and canadians march on the streets of downtown Vancouver to support democratic movements in Burma.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uatbmB-4KBE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uatbmB-4KBE
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Are worldwide protests going to do any good for Burma?
I often wondered as I watched many different groups protest for different causes if it really does any good. You may have seen or heard about some of the protests around Greater Vancouver: the human rights groups, the protests against war, the rallies for anti-poverty, the list goes on.
Then I spoke to a learned colleague at the office and he told me this: it only takes one person to change the world. When you all stand in a group, signs held high, shouting slogans and even perhaps standing up to speak in public, and only a handful of people watching you (quite disheartening) that handful of people might be moved enough to do something, and the rest is a chain reaction. It didn't convince me right away but it made me think.
What convinced me is reading Marcus Gee's article in the Globe and Mail, dated Friday, Oct 5, 2007, page A17. The title was, "It may not look that way, but the Saffron Revolution is just beginning". Marcus said, "The plain fact is that non-violence protest doesn't always work." But then, he also goes on to say, " Don't lose hope yet. Recent history shows that, from South Africa to Ukraine, non-violent action has a remarkable track record against even the beastliest regimes. " "...New York-based Freedom House studied 67 transitions to democracy over a third of a century and found that 50 sprang from non-violent resistance - boycotts, strikes, civil disobedience and mass protests." If you get a chance, I urge you to read Marcus Gee's article.
Still you might ask, what does that have to do with protests taking place outside of Burma? The answer is that if every citizen of Burma presently residing in a foreign country, regardless of race or religion, joined in the movement, it could make the world leaders, shareholders, businesses and the general population at large get interested enough not only to empathize with the plight of the citizens of Burma, but also do all that it can to support Burma's struggle for democracy and basic human rights. Sanctions are in place, and the UN is taking action. But it is not enough. We need to keep the momentum going, and we need to be united.
I hope that you too will be moved, just enough, to support Burma's struggle for democracy and human rights. Let us join hands and make history!
Peace & Love,
Maria
Then I spoke to a learned colleague at the office and he told me this: it only takes one person to change the world. When you all stand in a group, signs held high, shouting slogans and even perhaps standing up to speak in public, and only a handful of people watching you (quite disheartening) that handful of people might be moved enough to do something, and the rest is a chain reaction. It didn't convince me right away but it made me think.
What convinced me is reading Marcus Gee's article in the Globe and Mail, dated Friday, Oct 5, 2007, page A17. The title was, "It may not look that way, but the Saffron Revolution is just beginning". Marcus said, "The plain fact is that non-violence protest doesn't always work." But then, he also goes on to say, " Don't lose hope yet. Recent history shows that, from South Africa to Ukraine, non-violent action has a remarkable track record against even the beastliest regimes. " "...New York-based Freedom House studied 67 transitions to democracy over a third of a century and found that 50 sprang from non-violent resistance - boycotts, strikes, civil disobedience and mass protests." If you get a chance, I urge you to read Marcus Gee's article.
Still you might ask, what does that have to do with protests taking place outside of Burma? The answer is that if every citizen of Burma presently residing in a foreign country, regardless of race or religion, joined in the movement, it could make the world leaders, shareholders, businesses and the general population at large get interested enough not only to empathize with the plight of the citizens of Burma, but also do all that it can to support Burma's struggle for democracy and basic human rights. Sanctions are in place, and the UN is taking action. But it is not enough. We need to keep the momentum going, and we need to be united.
I hope that you too will be moved, just enough, to support Burma's struggle for democracy and human rights. Let us join hands and make history!
Peace & Love,
Maria
Freedom march for Aung San Suu Kyi, Downtown, Vancouver
About 100 people marched in unity from the Vancouver Art Gallery to Vancouver Public Library at 12:00 noon today, and read a media statement at the end of rally. The statement spoke in general about Burma's continued state of oppression - exacerbated by the so called non-intefering policy of neighbouring countries - and the need for consistent and effective pressure by the UN Security Council and the world in general. In order to begin a meaningful dialogue with the military junta, Aung San Suu Kyi must be free and be able to work with her opposition party.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Light a Candle for Peace, Downtown, Vancouver
Today, October 24, 2007 marks 12 years that the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi, has spent her time under house arrest in Burma, a country ruled for the last 45 years by military dictatorship.
A Candle Light Vigil was held at Robson Square, Vancouver, to honor Aung San Suu Kyi and those who have died, and who have been arrested for their involvement in recent peaceful demonstration in Burma. See action in youtube.
A Candle Light Vigil was held at Robson Square, Vancouver, to honor Aung San Suu Kyi and those who have died, and who have been arrested for their involvement in recent peaceful demonstration in Burma. See action in youtube.
Global Day of Action, Chinese Consulate, Broadway, Vancouver
Burmese activists stood in front of the visa office of the Chinese Consulate to demand the release of political prisoners in Burma.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Freedom March, Downtown, Vancouver
Burmese march in Vancouver, BC, Canada to support democratic movement in Burma. See action in youtube.
